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<br>Hi, I'm Steven F.. I live in Saskatchewan.<br>Craig "The Water Guy" Phillips asked me to share my homeowner experience with local tap water from the city and the SoftPro® Elite HE Water Softener for City Water (Industry's Best Softener & Filter Combo) I purchased.<br>This is how my adventures played out. I hope this helps you in your decision.<br> |
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The Water Problem That Changed Everything<br>I'll be honest—I never thought much about water quality until life hit me with some devastating losses. Did you know that sometimes the smallest household annoyances become impossible to ignore when you're dealing with major life changes?<br>After losing both my dad and my beloved dog within a short period, I found myself unable to tackle the water softener installation I'd been putting off for months.<br> |
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<br>The hard water in Saskatchewan had been wreaking havoc on our home for years. White crusty buildup on faucets, soap scum that wouldn't budge, and that awful feeling of never getting completely clean after a shower—these issues suddenly felt overwhelming when I was already emotionally drained.<br> |
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<br>Our municipal water tested at around 18 grains per gallon of hardness, which is considered very hard. The calcium and magnesium minerals were destroying our appliances, leaving spots on dishes, and making simple cleaning tasks feel impossible. I knew I needed a solution, but the timing couldn't have been worse.<br> |
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Why I Chose the SoftPro Elite Basic High Flow System |
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](https://www.softprowatersystems.com/products/softpro-elite-basic-high-flow-high-efficiency-water-softener) |
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<br>Even during my most difficult time, I'd already done extensive research on water softening systems. What drew me to the SoftPro Elite Basic was its combination of high efficiency and proven reliability.<br>Unlike many competitors that use third-party components, SoftPro manufactures their own SoftPro Valve, which gave me confidence in long-term support and parts availability.<br> |
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<br>The high flow design was crucial for our household. With a flow rate of up to 12 GPM, I knew we wouldn't experience pressure drops during peak usage times. The system's 64,000 grain capacity meant longer periods between regeneration cycles, which translates to lower salt consumption and reduced water waste.<br> |
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<br>I also appreciated that this wasn't just a basic softener—it's engineered for efficiency. The demand-initiated regeneration means it only regenerates when needed, rather than on a wasteful timer schedule. For someone dealing with emotional stress, having one less thing to worry about was invaluable.<br> |
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What Makes This System Different<br>Did you know that most water softeners waste hundreds of gallons during regeneration cycles?<br>The SoftPro Elite Basic uses a high-efficiency design that minimizes water and salt waste while maximizing performance.<br> |
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<br>The system features a precision-engineered resin bed that optimizes ion exchange efficiency. When hard water passes through the resin, calcium and magnesium ions are exchanged for sodium ions at a rate that's far more efficient than standard softeners. This means better performance with less environmental impact.<br> |
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<br>The SoftPro Valve is the heart of the system, controlling regeneration timing based on actual water usage rather than arbitrary schedules. This intelligent approach can reduce salt usage by up to 50% compared to timer-based systems, which was important to me both environmentally and financially.<br> |
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<br>Build quality is exceptional throughout. The mineral tank is constructed from durable fiberglass-wrapped materials designed to last decades. The brine tank features a safety float system to prevent overflow, and the entire system is backed by comprehensive warranties that show the manufacturer's confidence.<br> |
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Installation Challenges and Reality Check <br>I have to be completely honest here—I still haven't completed the installation. The emotional weight of recent losses made it impossible to focus on what should have been a straightforward DIY project.<br> |
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<br>Would I recommend professional installation for this system?<br>Absolutely, especially if you're dealing with any kind of stress or time constraints. The SoftPro Elite Basic is designed for relatively simple installation, but it still requires proper plumbing connections, electrical hookup, and system configuration.<br> |
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<br>From my research and preparation, the installation requires: |
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• Shut-off valve access for the main water line |
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• Drain connection within 20 feet |
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• 110V electrical outlet |
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• Level surface with adequate clearance |
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• Bypass valve installation for maintenance<br> |
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<br>Professional installation typically costs $300-500 in our area, which seemed reasonable for the peace of mind. The system comes with comprehensive installation manuals, but having an expert ensure everything is properly configured would eliminate any concerns about warranty coverage.<br> |
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System Specifications That Matter[ ](https://www.softprowatersystems.com/products/iron-master-iron-filter-for-well-water)<br>Did you know that capacity ratings can be misleading if you don't understand the testing conditions?<br>The SoftPro Elite Basic's 64,000 grain capacity is rated at 15 GPG, which means real-world performance in our 18 GPG water.<br> |
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<br>Key specifications include: |
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• Flow rate: Up to 12 GPM |
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• Capacity: 64,000 grains |
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â€[¢ Resin](https://soundcloud.com/search/sounds?q=%A2%20Resin&filter.license=to_modify_commercially) volume: 2.0 cubic feet |
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• Salt storage: 300 pounds |
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• Regeneration: Demand-initiated |
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• Power consumption: 12 watts during regeneration<br> |
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<br>The high flow design means no pressure reduction during normal household use. Even with simultaneous showers and appliance usage, the system maintains consistent pressure. This was crucial since we'd experienced pressure drops with a previous system.<br> |
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<br>Efficiency ratings are impressive. The system uses approximately 6 pounds of salt per regeneration cycle and about 45 gallons of water for backwashing. Compared to older timer-based systems that might regenerate every three days regardless of usage, this represents significant savings.<br> |
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Expected Performance and Benefits <br>Based on my water testing and system specifications, I'm expecting dramatic improvements once installation is complete. What specific changes should you expect from a quality water softening system?<br>The transformation affects virtually every aspect of water use in your home.<br> |
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<br>Immediate benefits include: |
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• Complete elimination of hard water spots on dishes and fixtures |
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• Dramatically improved soap and detergent effectiveness |
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• Softer skin and hair after bathing |
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• Extended appliance life, especially water heaters and dishwashers |
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• Reduced cleaning time and product usage<br> |
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<br>Long-term savings are substantial. Our water heater, currently showing scale buildup, should operate more efficiently with softened water. Dishwashers, washing machines, and other appliances will last years longer without mineral buildup damaging internal components.<br> |
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<br>Soap usage typically drops by 50-75% with soft water. Laundry detergent, dish soap, shampoo, and body wash all work more effectively without competing against mineral content. This translates to hundreds of dollars in annual savings for most households.<br> |
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Operational Costs and Maintenance |
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<br>Did you know that many people underestimate the ongoing costs of water softener ownership?<br>Understanding true operational expenses helps make informed decisions about system investment.<br> |
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<br>Monthly salt costs should average $8-12 based on our water hardness and household size. The system uses about 6 pounds per regeneration, with regeneration occurring every 8-10 days under normal usage. High-quality salt costs around $6 per 40-pound bag.<br> |
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<br>Annual maintenance is minimal but important: |
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• Salt refilling every 2-3 months |
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• Brine tank cleaning annually |
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• SoftPro Valve inspection and lubrication |
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• Resin bed sanitization (optional but recommended)<br> |
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<br>Electricity consumption is negligible—about $15 annually based on local rates. The [SoftPro Water Systems](https://www.trustpilot.com/review/softprowatersystems.com) Valve only draws power during regeneration cycles, which last about 90 minutes and occur roughly 35 times per year.<br> |
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<br>Professional service calls shouldn't be necessary with proper maintenance, but SoftPro's warranty coverage and local dealer support provide peace of mind. Parts availability for the SoftPro Valve is excellent since they manufacture their own components.<br> |
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Final Thoughts and Recommendation <br>Even though personal circumstances have delayed my installation, researching and purchasing the SoftPro Elite Basic High Flow has reinforced my confidence in this choice. Would I recommend this system to other Saskatchewan homeowners dealing with hard water?<br>Absolutely, especially for households prioritizing efficiency and reliability.<br> |
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<br>The combination of high flow capacity, efficient operation, and quality construction makes this system ideal for families tired of hard water problems. While the upfront investment is significant, the long-term benefits in appliance protection, reduced cleaning time, and improved quality of life justify the cost.<br> |
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<br>For anyone facing similar life challenges, I'd strongly recommend professional installation. The peace of mind and guaranteed proper setup are worth the additional cost. Once my situation stabilizes, completing this installation is my top priority.<br> |
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<br>The SoftPro Elite Basic represents excellent value in the water softening market. With proper installation and basic maintenance, it should provide decades of reliable service, making it one of the best investments you can make for your home's water quality.<br> |
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